2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
What to know about the Battle of Bunker Hill reenactment in Gloucester this weekend
Below is the full schedule and transportation information.
Saturday, June 21
The Preparation
8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. — The Redoubt, Stage Fort Park
Reenactors will construct fortifications resembling the redoubt on Breed's Hill using period tools. The scene will capture the urgency as troops brace for British bombardment. The redoubt will stand atop the park's main hill.
The Navy approaches
8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Half Moon Beach, Stage Fort Park
Advertisement
Royal Navy vessels will fill the waters of Charlestown Neck to re-create the 1775 bombardment and landings. Tall ships including the Story, Ardelle, Isabelle, and Lynx, coordinated by Maritime Gloucester, will provide a backdrop while one ship stages a simulated bombardment with powder blasts.
The Landing
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. — Half Moon Beach, Stage Fort Park
British soldiers land under fire from Colonial sharpshooters. They attempt a feint charge toward the redoubt to distract from an impending flank. A lunch break follows with chances to interact with reenactors.
Civilians Under Siege & The Military on the Move
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — The Marketplace, Stage Fort Park
Interpreters portraying 1770s civilians and soldiers will reenact the chaos of British-occupied Boston, including trade demos, domestic life, and civilian evacuations. Characters will represent a range of genders, races, classes, and political views.
Advertisement
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
— Meet General Henry Clinton
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
— Asa Pollard Funeral, Frye's Regiment Arrives
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
— Meet Abigail Adams
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
— Meet Martha Washington
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
— Meet Dr. Joseph Warren
12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
— Meet General William Howe
12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
—
Meet Elizabeth Murray
3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
— Meet historian Don Hagist
The Flanking Attack
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. — Cressy Beach, Stage Fort Park
British Grenadiers and Light Infantry attempt a shoreline flanking maneuver but are repelled by New Hampshire troops under John Stark.
The Main Assault
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. — Stage Fort Park
British forces launch a final assault on the redoubt and rail fence. With ammo depleted, Colonists retreat — some throwing rocks. The dramatic finale ends with General Joseph Warren's death and the British capture of the hill.
Sunday, June 22
The events on Sunday will be a condensed version of the Saturday schedule, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the same locations. The abbreviated schedule for Sunday can be found on the
Transportation
Parking at Stage Fort Park is available for $35 cash per day, with additional satellite lots around Gloucester and free shuttle service from most, but not all locations.
If you're arriving by public transit, take the Rockport-bound Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line to West Gloucester station, where shuttles will run starting at 7:45 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
For full parking details, shuttle times, and directions, visit the
Nathan Metcalf can be reached at
